Dear Orange County Family –
I would like to begin by recognizing the 19th anniversary of the terror attacks that occurred on September 11th, 2001. Today on Patriot Day, we come together as Americans in the spirit of unity to never forget all of the innocent lives that were lost on that day. We also honor the brave first responders who lost their lives on that day and later due to illnesses related to their heroic work.
As we work our way through the month of September, storms and hurricanes continue to be at the forefront of our thoughts, especially with this week being considered the peak of tropical storm activity according to the National Hurricane Center. So far this year, there have been 17 named storms. We have been very fortunate here in Central Florida in avoiding a major storm, but we are not out of the woods yet. I ask that you remain vigilant and stay “Hurricane Ready.” Visit www.ocfl.net/storm for more information on how to prepare for a hurricane.
As we work together to overcome the global pandemic, we have been fortunate in Orange County in maintaining a low positivity rate over the past two-week period. The average positivity rate is now 4.5% (average in the past two weeks). However, our rolling positivity rate (average since the beginning of the pandemic) is still over 11%.
Thank you, again, for your diligence in implementing safety protocols both on and off the job. It continues to play a vital role in combatting this virus and serving as good examples to the community we serve.
Census
We are still on a mission to collect data for the 2020 Census. The County’s self-response rate is still lower than it was a decade ago. We need your help in not only taking the survey, but also spreading the word. Obtaining this data is vital because social service programs are dependent on an accurate Census count. The count affects the amount of funding Orange County will receive over the next decade. The deadline to respond to the survey is September 30, 2020. Please take the online survey now at 2020census.gov.
Flu Shot
As we transition into the fall season, there are many things to start thinking about, with your health remaining a top priority. Flu season is almost here, which means it is important we are all proactive now. County employees and their spouses have access to free flu shots at County facilities beginning Tuesday, September 15, through the end of the year.
You do not have to be on our medical benefits plan to receive a free flu shot. Check out the 2020 Flu Shot flyer for more details about dates, times and locations. To ensure social distancing and the safety of everyone, making an appointment is highly recommended. For more information about the flu, join our Wellness Nurse for a free webinar on September 15 (register) or September 17 (register).
Mobile Mammography
County employees and their spouses who are on our medical benefits plan also have access to free mammograms. The Mobile Mammogram unit will be at the County Administration Building (201 S. Rosalind Ave.) on Thursday, September 24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling 407-841-0822, ext. 2. Most medical insurance coverage is accepted. Watch the virtual tour video to see how screenings are conducted in the mobile unit. Annual screenings can detect cancer early, which is when it is most treatable.
myOCWellness
Both the flu shot and mammogram can help you and/or your spouse earn myOCWellness points. The deadline to earn at least 70 points is September 30, 2020. MyOCWellness is a points-driven health and wellness incentive program. Ultimately, employees who are on the County’s Cigna medical benefits plan and meet the requirements of the program will receive a reduction toward 2021 Cigna medical insurance premiums per pay period. For more information, visit www.ocfl.net/myocwellness. If you have any questions, email wellness@ocfl.net.
2021 Open Enrollment
Additionally, 2021 Benefits Open Enrollment for Orange County employees begins on October 1 through October 14, 2020. The window to enroll is one week shorter than normal. However, you do not need to enroll unless you are making changes to your benefits plan. Be on the lookout for more detailed information in the coming weeks.
In closing, I remain very proud of our employees and your ability to adapt during this pandemic. Another Curbside celebration was created to honor employees who have completed one or more of the Passport Series offered by our Organizational Development & Training (OD&T) team. The Passport Graduation Ceremony was held in the parking lot of the IOC-1 building, allowing honorees to be recognized in their cars and taking a quick photo with the OD&T team and HR Director Ricardo Daye.
I continue to appreciate everything you do and keep up the phenomenal work.
